R. W. Paine
p. 147 · Read in the full issue
Letter To The Editor
Credit to R. W. Paine
My attention has been drawn to an article in your September issue about the in troduction of a parasite of the banana scab moth. (PIM , p. 24).
Mr. B. A. O'Connor, Fiji’s Senior Entomologist, feels that he has been given too much credit in this for the “dis covery” of the parasite because although he suggested that in vestigations should be earned out by Mr. R. W. Paine, it is really the excellent woric being done by the latter which has resulted in the discovery of these very promising para sites.
I would like to take the opportunity, too, of emphasis ing that this work is by no means proven as yet and it may be many months before we are certain that the para site will he successful. We found it necessary to give publicity to this matter be cause of the large number of inquiries and the rumours current in Fiji about it.
As you have pointed out, there is no doubt that if it proves successful it will con fer enormous benefits on the banana industry.
I am, etc.,
N. Lamont.
Acting Director of Agriculture.
Suva. Fiji.
Oct. 17, 1957.